San Diego -- Some would argue there are limitations to what one is capable of accomplishing. For those who chose the Marine Corps path, recruit training builds their confidence, realizing anything is possible.
For a boost start recruits of Company E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, paced during the Confidence Course aboard the depot, Sept. 17.
“The Confidence Course is meant to get recruits out their comfort zone and get them to do things they are not used to,” said Sgt. Jonathan Montalvo, senior drill instructor, Platoon 2105. “It gives them confidence to be able to handle anything that is thrown at them.”
The Confidence Course begins with Instructional Training Company drill instructors demonstrating the proper method to complete each obstacle. Once the instructional period is over, recruits are divided into 10 groups, each led by a drill instructor. Each group must go through each obstacle once.
Drill instructors ensure recruits successfully complete each station. Recruits are sent back to start over until they perform it correctly. The constant physical exertion becomes fatiguing for recruits.
“When you are on deployment they (Marines) need to have physical strength to carry their gear or another Marine out of a danger zone,” said Montalvo, a Huntsville, Ala. native.
After completion of each obstacle, recruits practice Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques. Each part of the course has a designated MCMAP move that recruits must complete before the group moves on to the next.
The Confidence Course test’s recruits both mentally and physically.
“Having tangible obstacles for recruits to physically conquer, helps build confidence,” said Recruit Jared R. Marshall, Plt. 2107.
However, recruits have the most difficulty with the station known as Slide for Life,. It requires recruits to climb to the top of a platform approximately 30 feet high and slide down a cable diagonally from the top of the platform to the ground. Halfway through the slide, recruits are instructed to come to a dead hang, alter their hand grip so both thumbs point backward and finally put their feet back on the cable and continue to slide to the end. This requires recruits to stay calm while in a physically demanding position.
To ensure recruits’ safety, Slide for Life is equipped with a pool to break recruits’ fall if they lose grip during the initial part of their slide. However, since the platform is approximately 30 feet high, a safety net is put in place over the first half of the pool as an additional precautionary measure. If recruits lose their grip on the cable before they are instructed to alter their hand grips, they will land on a safety net. After altering grips, their safety is assured by a pool.
“A lot of these obstacles exploit some irrational fears people have and conquering them is enriching to recruits,” said Marshall, a Vancouver, Wash. native. “They realize they are capable of anything.”
Confidence is necessary for Marines to accomplish their assigned missions. Recruits of Co. E have a long road before graduation, but with confidence they can conquer any task entrusted to them.
“These obstacles are very odd. They make you contour your body to physically conquer them in ways you wouldn’t normally think of,” said 19-year-old Marshall. “Being able to attack and conquer obstacles here will help us in the real world.”